Food-o-file
Betty Meyer survived our big mistake, Eddie Wilson gets Gaynelle Neville in the kitchen, and Justin Raiford previews his new menu; plus, a whole lot of food stuff going on Sunday, Nov. 6
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., Nov. 4, 2005
Betty's Alive!
In the off-with-everyone's head department, we'll just quote Mark Twain and say the reports of her death were greatly exaggerated ("Sausage Shrines: A Pilgrimage," Oct. 7). Betty Meyer, beloved matriarch of the Meyer's Elgin Smokehouse clan, is alive and well in Elgin. We apologize for the error.
New on the Menu
The folks at Rounders Pizzeria (1203 W. Sixth, 477-0404) have added such appetizers as stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta to their bill of fare along with some reasonably priced pasta dishes to complement their award-winning pies... The next time you drop by Quality Seafood (5621 Airport, 454-5827), check out the newly remodeled restaurant area, complete with raw oyster bar, new menu offerings, a wine list, and plenty of ice-cold domestic and imported beer on hand. We had fried oyster po'boys and seafood gumbo that were very satisfying... Fall means new gelato flavors at Teo's (1206 W. 38th, 451-9555). There's chestnut, pumpkin, and a peppermint candy we're eager to try, and a scoop of the new Bourbon vanilla in an afogato – a shot of espresso over gelato – sounds divine... Not only has Eddie Wilson been keeping relocated New Orleans musicians busy playing gigs at the downtown Threadgill's (301 W. Riverside, 472-9304), he's also enticed Gaynelle Neville to step into the kitchen once a week to whip up some New Orleans-style specialties like red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, and crab cakes. Stop by some Tuesday night and try them out... Finish out football season with the help of Gridiron Emergency Kits from either County Line (6500 Bee Caves Rd., 327-1742; 5204 FM 2222, 346-3664) location. A phone call and $10.99 get you a package that includes beef ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken, sauce, coleslaw, beans, potato salad, plate, and flatware. All you have to do is pick it up and get it all over ya... Young chef Justin Raiford of 34th Street Cafe (1005 W. 34th, 371-3400) previewed his ambitious new fall menu to the media recently with a warm reception. Drop in for dinner some night to see what he's got cooking.
Event Menu :: Nov. 4-10
This weekend marks the first Round Top Wine Festival, where area caterers and restaurateurs will provide gourmet hors d'oeuvres to complement the best vintages from 20 Texas wineries. Drop into the wine shop to eat and drink between 5 and 10pm on Friday night before enjoying live musical entertainment on the picturesque town square, or take a $10 "wine walk" to shops around the square between 1:30 and 4pm Saturday afternoon. For more information, contact Michael Chaput at 979/249-2555; Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 & 5.
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas invites you to the annual Stephan Pyles Celebrity Chef Dinner at Mirabelle (8127 Mesa) to benefit its culinary scholarship fund. Following a champagne reception, chef Pyles and featured chefs David Apthorpe, Tyson Cole, Andrew Weissman, and Rebecca Rather will present a five-course dinner with a live wine auction. Tickets are $150 per person, tax and tip included. For more information or reservations, call 327-7555 or go to www.winefoodfoundation.org; 6pm, Sunday, Nov. 6.
Pastry chefs Aimee Olson and Bronwen Weber and students of the Texas Culinary Academy (11400 Burnet Rd.) play host to the annual Women Who Cook fundraiser benefitting the Austin Girl's Choir this Sunday. Enjoy the distinctive jazz stylings of popular local Pamela Hart, along with sweet and savory baked treats, a silent auction, and a raffle. Purchase $35 tickets in advance at 453-0884; 5:30-8:30pm, Sunday, Nov. 6.
In observance of Veteran's Day, McCormick & Schmick's (401 Congress, 236-9600) will offer free entrées from a selected menu to U.S. veterans at their Veterans Appreciation event. Proper identification is required; 4-10pm, Sunday, Nov. 6.
Slip away to post-World War II France for the evening with a screening of Gene Kelly's classic Academy Award-winning film An American in Paris. Chef James Holmes has designed a four-course French bistro menu paired with boutique French wines at the Alamo Drafthouse Village. Reservations are $45 at www.originalalamo.com; 7pm, Sunday, Nov. 6.
Chef Roy Yamaguchi and his special guest, winemaker Michael Mondavi, will be in town for the Anniversary Wine Dinner at Roy's (340 E. Second, 391-1500). There will be two seatings of the four-course meal, and festivities will include Polynesian dancers and luscious Hawaiian flowers. Dinner is $79, and reservations are suggested; 6:30 and 8:15pm, Thursday, Nov. 10.
